We've got to get rats on the run

Streets in Ibrox have been hit with a plague and as many as 50 of the vermin have been caught in just days.

Concerned residents have taken matters into their own hands and cleared up bin storage areas in the back courts of properties in Harley, Ibrox, Middleton, and Elizabeth Streets.

But the rats have moved to other bin areas.

Around 14 closes are affected by what has become a rat run and residents have had enough.

They are also calling on Glasgow City Council to help prevent further infestations.

While some residents have organised a clear up, the council is also urging residents in the area to take responsibility for safely disposing of food waste.

Travis Reeves, of Harley Street, said: "We have been out in force clearing up back courts as rubbish has been left and attracted a rat infestation.

"You can literally see the rats dancing about.

"Due to the condition of some of the properties, rats are also in the closes and homes of residents.

"Neighbours have been clearing bin shelters, which are not even there own, just to contain the problem."

The team of around six have also been blocking up access points to buildings with cement and metal vent covers, laying poison and setting traps.

Residents have bought hundreds of heavy-duty bin bags, gloves, poison and traps with their own cash to deal with the problem.

Mr Reeves added: "We have caught more than 50 rats in a week, half of them with traps."

Residents now want local landlords and property owners to decisive action against the pests.

Mr Reeves added: "Some factors have become involved and have cleared bin shelters, cut high grass, and done work to eliminate access to the buildings.

"While it may be true that responsibility for keeping backcourt rubbish areas lies with the residents, we would urge the council to look at flaws in the current rubbish cleansing system.

"Old, galvanised, bins are frequently too small for the kinds of bags being used, and it only takes one bag to tear for the bin men to not empty that bin.

WE also have a prob-lem with bins filling up with rainwater and becoming a rancid, foul mess."

Mr Reeves said the residents are beginning to see their work have an effect.

He said: "From seeing a couple of dozen rats in broad daylight a week ago, the numbers are definitely reducing.

"However, many closes have easy access points due to poor maintenance and rats are already inside closes, under floors, in storage cupboards, and even in the flats. I would urge the council to use their enforcement powers to ensure buildings and yards are maintained."

Archie Blair, 32, who lives in Middleton Street, has been involved in the massive clear up.

Mr Blair said: "This is not the first time we have had to clear up rubbish in the back courts. It is wrong that it is being left to other residents to clear up someone's mess.

"Hopefully now something will be done and people will realise it's not fair on others. It's a case of disposing of rubbish properly and not just throwing it in the back courts.

"Neighbours say they are still collecting a couple of rats a night so the problem is still there."

The council has stepped in at the same location on previous occasions.

It cleared more than five tonnes of waste from back courts and communal areas in 2010, with the work being repeated in April 2011.

A council spokesman said officers have been involved for a number of months –carrying out pest control treatments and investigating fly tipping in the street.

He said: "We have seen some improvements during that time; however there are clearly ongoing and recurring problems.

"Rodents will always be found wherever there is a steady supply of food.

"Some locals have clearly made a great effort to improve conditions in their own and neighbouring back courts; but it is the responsibility of every owner and tenant to keep their property in good order and manage and store waste sensibly."